Researchers at Cornell University have identified a chemical compound, anabaseine, in the secretions of ants that shows promise as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The compound stimulates nicotine receptor sites in the brains of patients and helps reduce memory loss.
In February, join the BirdSource Great '98 count to help scientists learn more about North American birds by counting bird species at your backyard feeders or local parks. The project provides instant feedback through graphics and animated maps.
A team of Cornell experts is creating a database of food-processing information and menu items for NASA's future lunar and Martian colonies. The recipes, which include vegetarian options like seitan tacos and pasta primavera, will be grown hydroponically in space farms using crops such as wheat, potatoes, rice, soy, and peanuts.
Researchers discovered that tiger beetles' ability to see shuts down when accelerating towards prey due to insufficient photon gathering. This unique behavior results in the insect's stop-and-go chase pattern, allowing it to temporarily regain its vision and catch its prey.
A Cornell University study found that overweight and obese women have significantly less success breastfeeding their babies than normal-weight counterparts. The researchers also discovered that mechanical difficulties and biological factors contribute to the lower success rates.
A Cornell University study reveals that refugees who are desperate for salt, soap, and other essential supplies are more likely to sell or barter food. The poorest families were twice as likely to engage in these practices due to their limited access to nutritious food.
Researchers at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine are studying the causes of cancer using ACS grants. The studies focus on understanding growth-factor signaling pathways and retroviral viruses that cause skin tumors in fish.
The Vegetarian Diet Pyramid offers a well-balanced ovo-lacto vegetarian diet plan emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. The pyramid recommends daily exercise and water intake, while optional foods include eggs and sweets.
The images taken by the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft reveal a cratered surface and porous composition of asteroid 253 Mathilde. Scientists were surprised to find large craters packed tightly on the relatively small surface, indicating that large objects can strike without destroying it.
A genetic map of dogs was constructed using 150 microsatellite markers, revealing the organization of genes and traits on the canine genome. The study has significant implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, and bleeding disorders.
The study found that fraternity leaders reported the highest rates of binge drinking and adverse consequences, including hangovers, arguments, and blackouts. Greek leaders also tend to view alcohol as a facilitator for social interaction and sexuality, contrary to expected moderate views.
A Cornell University study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics found that dairy advertising efforts significantly increased fluid milk sales, retail cheese prices, and wholesale cheese prices. The study also revealed that dairy farmers receive a substantial return on investment for their marketing efforts.
Researchers found that ewes' antibodies are passed to lambs through colostrum, making vaccination unnecessary until past the age of 6 weeks. This schedule change can save time and energy for farmers, with significant benefits for national agriculture.
A new study by Cornell University estimates that biodiversity provides $2.9 trillion in economic and environmental benefits globally. In the United States alone, the value is estimated at $319 billion. The research highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem integrity for human well-being.
A six-university panel of river experts suggests that restoring a river's natural flow regime is crucial for maintaining ecological integrity. By allowing rivers to repair and maintain themselves, scientists can enhance different portions of the flow regime through changes to dams and water-use operations.
Scientists confirm evidence of past water on Mars, including minerals and sedimentation patterns. Theories about the disappearing water include evaporation, seepage, or storage at Martian poles.
FORCAST, a new infrared camera, will be built at Cornell to image the universe in the infrared spectrum and study stars' neonatal environments. The instrument will fly aboard NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) and make observations that are impossible for ground-based telescopes.
A study found that 80% of older mothers admit to having a favorite child, while 71% of their grown children correctly identify their mom's favorite. The researchers also discovered that how parents feel about their children depends on factors like social status and personal history.
A new study published in American Psychologist found that racial differences in intelligence narrowed by about half between 1970 and 1988 and have remained constant since then. Socio-economic class differences also decreased gradually since 1932, with IQ scores converging between the upper and lower thirds.
The Mars 2001 Lander mission aims to investigate the geological record of ancient Martian waterways and possible biology. Cornell's Athena rover will use its integrated scientific instruments to collect data on the planet's surface, including an imager, infrared spectrometer, and Alpha-Proton-X-Ray spectrometer.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a network of instruments to predict and track tsunamis in real-time. The sensors will be placed on the ocean floor in strategic parts of the Pacific rim, including south of the Aleutian Islands chain and along coastal areas of Asia.
The Comet Nucleus Tour mission, led by Cornell University, aims to study the composition of comet nuclei and assess their diversity. The mission will take images and comparative spectral maps of at least three comet nuclei, analyzing dust and gas flowing from them.
Cornell University is developing a PICT capable of attaching integrated circuits with at least 10 times more connections than today's most powerful chips. The goal is to meet technology goals for microprocessors with 5,400 connections by 2009 and 7,300 connections by 2012.
Cornell University has received a $10 million grant from the National Science Foundation to support research in earthquake loss reduction. The funding will focus on developing advanced technologies to predict and mitigate earthquake damage, with an emphasis on improving emergency response systems.
A new report from Cornell University predicts climate change will have a significant impact on US workplaces, with potential job losses of up to 1.6 million. The report identifies numerous strategies for unions and workers to improve environmental performance and create sustainable jobs.
Dr. Daniel C. Ralph has made significant contributions to the development of experimental techniques for studying nanoscale structures. He was awarded the 1997 McMillan Award for outstanding work in condensed matter physics.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered a unique behavior in paper wasps called 'male-stuffing,' where females aggressively force males into empty nest cells to limit their food consumption. This behavior may maximize worker wasps' inclusive fitness and contribute to the colony's fitness.
New research from Cornell University suggests that African women working outside the home may face
A new book reviews the evolution of home economics, examining its influence on women's options and careers. The book brings together perspectives from historians, educators, and economists to provide a comprehensive understanding of home economics' development.
Studies show that nurse home visit programs have enduring positive effects on mothers' and children's lives years later. The programs resulted in fewer cases of child abuse, less childhood injury, and lower welfare use among participating women.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness valuable proteins from nearly dead insect pests, producing high-quality pharmaceuticals in a more cost-effective manner. The HeRD system enables the mass production of these proteins, paving the way for the development of novel vaccine treatments and alternative pesticides.
Researchers have successfully cloned a key gene responsible for pea stem growth, which codes for an enzyme that converts gibberellic acid into the compound promoting stem elongation. This discovery sheds light on why some plants are tall and others short, illustrating fundamental principles of genetics.
The grant will support various research projects, including climate modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and interactive learning tools. Cornell aims to create a national model for universities in the information age with this technology.
Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a large crater on asteroid Vesta with an estimated diameter of 285 miles and 8 miles deep. The crater's impact debris is believed to be a source of special types of meteorites, including those found in Hawaii.
In a surprising twist, female Photuris fireflies lure male Photinus fireflies close enough to eat them, obtaining defensive chemicals called lucibufagins. These compounds help females repel predators like spiders and birds.
Nurse home visits have long-lasting positive effects on low-income women's lives and their children's well-being. The studies found that home-visited women had lower rates of child abuse and neglect, fewer pregnancies, and reduced healthcare needs.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a way to increase food production in crops by using wild plant genes. By combining domesticated and wild gene varieties, they observed significant improvements in grain yield, with some increases of up to 48%.
A recent study found that children using the 'Let's Talk About Living in a World With Violence' workbook became less aggressive when their teachers were comfortable with the curriculum and integrated it into other subjects. Children whose teachers did not integrate the material showed no significant differences in aggression.
A recent study published at Cornell University found that Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not a reliable predictor of graduate school success. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 students who took the GRE and compared their scores with their post-graduation outcomes.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed the world's smallest silicon mechanical devices, measuring just a few nanometers in size. These devices can be used for various applications, including modulating light signals for fiber optic communications and measuring tiny forces.
Researchers at Cornell University discovered that chloroplasts are connected by long, slender tubules, allowing them to exchange proteins and potentially other molecules. This finding reveals a new form of communication between organelles within plant cells.
A newly isolated bacterium, coccoid Strain 195, reduces toxic tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene to nontoxic ethene gas. The Cornell researchers' discovery will lead to better pollution cleanup strategies in the field.
New Arecibo radar images show no signs of ice in permanently shadowed areas at the moon's poles. Researchers believe rough surfaces from impact craters may be responsible for observed reflections instead.
Researchers found that women with low body iron but no anemia use more effort to perform physical work or exercise compared to those with normal iron levels. Iron depletion without anemia significantly impairs work capacity and physical performance.
Researchers found that parents with two children spend an average of 57,661 hours raising their kids to age 18, exceeding the previously estimated 7.25 hours a day. This includes primary child care and secondary child care activities. The study also revealed that mothers spend more time on primary child care than fathers.
A new study by Cornell University found that nonwhites, especially in NYC, are more likely to live in structurally inadequate and overcrowded housing. The study analyzed data from seven metropolitan areas, including NYC, and found significant racial disparities in housing quality.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that most buildings in the Northeast region exceeded minimum building code requirements for snow loads during the Blizzard of '96. The accumulation of snow from two storms led to increased snow weight on roofs, causing collapses in some areas.
Research at Cornell University found that children in noisy schools near airports perform worse in reading skills compared to those in quiet areas. The study suggests that kids tune out speech amidst constant background noise, making it difficult for them to acquire speech recognition skills.
A new screening procedure developed at Cornell University Medical College reliably identified persons with personality pathology using a self-administered true-false questionnaire. The test was then confirmed or discounted through a follow-up interview with a professional clinician.
Cornell University psychologist Romi Nijhawan's experiment shows that the brain can decompose yellow into its constituent red and green based on motion of the stimulus. Human retinas cannot sense motion on their own, but the brain uses a process called motion extrapolation to correct for this delay.